JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH

Meditation for Friday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Gal 3:7-14; Lk 11:15-26)

On this fifth day of our meditation on St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he takes his argument to the guiding principle that differentiates the true gospel he preached from those that preached “another gospel.” St. Paul’s teachings were guided by the principle of justification by faith, while those who perverted the gospel insisted on justification by law. He argued that it is by faith in Jesus Christ that all are qualified to become children of God. This was prefigured in the Scriptures when God said to Abraham, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” Hence, St. Paul said, “Those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith.” For the righteous shall live by faith. “That in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Thus, the preaching of the gospel is to build up this saving faith in Christ Jesus. That is why the gospel permeates all cultures and societies, and is relevant at all times.

On the other hand, the perverted gospel is based on law. Such preaching promotes spirituality of punishment and curse, “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, and do them.’” Since law is usually restrictive, an adulterated gospel message will end up promoting segregation among believers. By placing emphasis on one’s observance of the law, self-righteousness will go ahead of grace in the lives of those who embrace the perverted gospel message. How then can one talk about the unmerited grace to the glory of God?

 

That is why we must be watchful so that we will not be distracted from the true gospel message, which builds up our faith in Jesus Christ, in whom we are justified, and in whom every requirement of the law is fulfilled. Think about how those selfish men tried to distract the people from believing in Jesus by calling Him Beelzebul. Jesus answered them, “If it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” As Jesus cast out the demon, so faith in Him sets us free from the curse of the law, and uplifts us to the free working of His grace, which inspires our actions, and brings to us Abraham’s blessings. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Friday October 7, 2022.

Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

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Personal Commitment to the Gospel

Meditation for Thursday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Gal 3:1-5; Lk 11:5-13)

After presenting submission to Church authorities as an important character of the preacher of the true gospel, St. Paul now appeals to the personal responsibility of the believers as a necessary discerning tool to distinguish the true gospel from the perverted gospel. Reason and common sense should be employed to discern and apply the gospel, while recognizing it as the work of the Holy Spirit. The Christian should be intelligent and wise, not foolish! This is because the true gospel does not violate reason, but enhances it and fills it with joy. So, the gospel message is reasonable and understandable, yet, it gives reason an eternal vision.

 

While those who preached ‘another gospel’ to the Galatians emphasized the law over faith, St. Paul expected the believers to use their reason and asked themselves if the Holy Spirit they received, and the miracles they experienced, were by law or by faith. “Does He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” So, in the midst of many fake preachers, one of the ways to know the true teaching of Christ is that it makes you more reasonable as you grow in understanding of the gospel. As you employ reason to understand the message and apply it to your life, your personal responsibility towards the gospel shines out.

Perverted approaches to the gospel exiles reason but exalts emotions; they are majorly emotive. Meditate on the parable Jesus told in the gospel of today, and see through it how reason and personal commitment are employed in our faith journey. A man went to his friend at an inconvenient time to request for three loaves of bread. When the friend turned him down, the response of a man operating with “another gospel” would have been to become emotional, react angrily even with the name of God. But the man schooled in the true gospel of Christ would remain calm, preserver in his request, and reason it out that if the friend could not give him because of their friendship, his persistent knocking at his door would make him to attend to him. Hence, Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” As father is conscientious in giving his children good things, God the Father is much more than the human fathers; the heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. Thus, while God’s gifts are reasonable, still, He gives what reason cannot fully comprehend. The true gospel summons us to personal commitment, and at the same time, opens our eyes to see how everything we receive is the work of grace. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday October 6, 2022.

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THE GOSPEL ON THE ROCK

 Meditation for Wednesday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Gal 2:1-2, 7-14; Lk 11:1-4)

Like a man defending his case in a courtroom, St. Paul continues to argue in defense of the true gospel. It is important we listen to him because there are so many fake preachers and prophets among us. Earlier, St. Paul had explained how he received the gospel he preached by revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. In today’s defense, St. Paul narrated how he travelled to Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas and Titus, to lay before Peter, James and John, the respected Church leaders, the gospel he was preaching to the gentles. This act of submissiveness and obedience to Church authorities is a distinguishing mark of a true preacher of the gospel. Beware of that preacher who is answerable to no one, and who has no one to call him to order.

 

“And when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James, Cephas and John, who were reputed pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.” Jesus built his Church on St. Peter as the rock, that on this rock (Mt 16:18), it shall withstand every opposition and remain firm. The transmission of the good news, and the administration of the Sacraments as necessary means of salvation, are under the authority of the Church. Individuals, called by God, must work under the authority of the Church. The chain of authority that Christ bestowed in the Church is part of the good news of the gospel, and in turn, the gospel sanctifies and gives life to the authority of the Church. Therefore, any gospel message that cannot accommodate the divinely instituted authority of the Church becomes “Another gospel.”

 

As human, the man who occupies the position of authority in the Church may have his personal struggles, as we see in St. Peter, when he was in Antioch, where he tried to please the circumcision party and separated himself from the Gentiles. But St. Paul realized that the action of Peter was not in line with the gospel, and corrected him. That is why we must always call to the Lord, saying, “Lord, teach us to pray.” By submitting to prayer, we learn to be humble and submit to the authority of the Church, despite the revelation or vision we must have received. By prayer the Church authorities can discern properly and direct the people of God aright. Then we shall pray in the words our Savior taught us, saying, “Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come…” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday October 5, 2022.

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THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE GOSPEL

Meditation for Monday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Gal 1:13-24; Lk 10:38-42)

St Paul continues to prove his point against those who preach “another gospel.” A perverted message of the gospel is not easily noticeable; one can easily fit in and settle for it. St Paul explains that only the true gospel of Christ has the power to bring about genuine personal transformation. He set himself as an example of the power of the gospel to bring about “The New Man” (Eph 4:24). St Paul gave account of his conversion from Judaism and a persecutor of the Church to Christianity and a preacher of the gospel to the Gentiles. This was not brought about by any human agency, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. He explained that it was after three years of receiving this mandate that he went up to Jerusalem to visit St Peter.

Thus, St Paul explained the authenticity of his message that he did not receive his mandate from any of the apostles, but from Jesus Christ himself through a revelation. So, he became the last born of the apostles (1 Cor 15:8-11). The grace of Christ that transformed St Paul is within the gospel he preached. In other words, the true gospel is influential, and transforms those who receive it. While Paul was still preaching in the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and had not visited the Church in Judea, yet they heard about his conversion and glorified God.

 

The message of St Paul is clear: if we follow fake preachers, we may be engrossed in rigorous and severe religious practices that cannot transform us into the new life in Christ. Meditate on the powerful presence of Jesus that kept Mary at His feet, and caught up her heart in contemplation of Him. Think about that influential impulse that engaged Martha to serve the Lord. These are available for us whenever we embrace the true gospel. That is why we must hold fast to the true interpretation of the gospel the Church has taught us.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Tuesday October 4, 2022.

Memorial of St Francis of Assisi

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"ANOTHER GOSPEL"

Meditation for Monday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time

(Gal 1:6-12; Lk 10:25-37)

It is interesting that we are beginning the first week of the month with St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. St Paul wrote this letter to address the wavering faith of the Galatian Christians. This was as a result of a different version or approach to the gospel that some people spread among the Church in Galatia. This brought controversy and disunity among the believers. St Paul was very upset about this development, and addressed the issued firmly.

 

If at the time of St Paul, at the early hours of the Church, some people were spreading an adulterated version of the gospel, how much more today that the Christian faith has become an open market place! As we listen to St Paul this week, we must be conscious of these religious ‘confusionists’, who speak with so much audacity and eloquence. “Take care then how you hear” (Lk 8:18). “By there fruits you shall know them” (Mt 7:16). St Paul pointed out some signs for us to know when a preacher is perverting the gospel of Christ.

 

Those who preach ‘another gospel’ often seek the favor of men; their messages are targeted to please men, not God. They bend the gospel to be at the service of human conditions, instead of man to reach out and be uplifted by the gospel to the realm of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. This makes it easy for one to embrace their doctrine, since man is in constant search for solutions to his problems. Then, it becomes a ‘human-conditioned’ or ‘problem-solving’ gospel message. Imagine how alluring this can be. At the end, the quest for solution to human problems takes the place of the hunger for eternal life and salvation in Christ Jesus, which is the ultimate goal of the gospel.

 

In defending the true gospel, St Paul says, “For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” It is a divinely revealed truth, not fruit of human argument or reasoning. A revealed truth is received and transmitted under ‘obedience of faith.’ This makes those who receive the true gospel docile to word of God and to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, the message that came through human reasoning gives rise to stubbornness, rigidity, and an emotional outburst that can fade away at any time. The revealed truth is calm, powerful and enduring.

 

The parable of the good Samaritan demonstrates what can happen to the lives and homes of those who receive a perverted gospel; charity is mortgaged. Think about the selective act of charity in the priest and Levite, their exalted self-importance and self-preservation, and how their selfish religious sentiments do not embrace common humanity. These are immediate marks of ‘another gospel’, and they are ravaging our society  and Church today. The good Samaritan shows the ordinary life of one who is schooled in the revealed truth of the gospel of Jesus: he is inspired, and becomes a source of grace and healing for others; his love goes beyond boarders and conquers every barrier. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Monday October 3, 2022.

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THE REWARD OF FAITH

Meditation of the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

(Hab1:2-3; 2:2-4; 2 Tim 1:6-8, 13-14; Lk 17:5-10)

There is a growing trend of ‘entitlement mentality’ among people of this generation. This disposition makes one feel that he deserves one particular favor or the other; it makes you feel that someone is indebted to you, that you are suffering because someone did not come to your aid. This negative vibe has brought disgruntlement among some families and friends. ‘Entitlement mentality’ has also crept into our relationship with God. Some pray as if God is owing them; they feel that because of some good deeds they have done, God must reward them immediately. Among the prevalent prayer points we hear today is the invocation of ‘destiny helpers.’ This intention flows from the belief that God has destined someone to bring solution to your problems. So, you pray that this ‘destiny helper’ should locate you promptly. A man with ‘entitlement mentality’ is reward driven, even in his spiritual exercises.

 

The readings of this Sunday present faith as that divine disposition to life that is not reward driven, but summons one to personal responsibility and commitment. The prophet Habakkuk presents a situation that is challenging, and needs urgent and immediate response. As the man of faith cries out to God for quick response, we hear from the prophet that God will respond at His own time. “If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Behold, he whose soul is not upright in him will fail, but the righteous shall live by his faith.”

 

Faith looks up to God. In time of need or suffering, the expectation of faith increases. The parable of the humble servant demonstrates how faith in God purifies the intentions of our service, such that we look up to God in faith to carry out our duties of life, without conditioning ourselves with the expected rewards. We may begin our journey of faith out of fear of hell, and move on further out of desire for divine providence and heavenly reward. But the pure faith that looks up to God and renders service solely for His own sake, is at the height of the journey. Such faith, even if it is as small as a grain of mustard seed, can move mountains, and bring timely the rich reward of faith.

 

Jesus says, “When you have done all that is commanded you, say, ‘we are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” Then, the rich reward of faith surprises us, and energizes us. However, the real test of faith comes when we have to be committed to our duties and faith journey, amidst challenges, even before any divine consolation arrives. That faith action that perseveres without the motivation of reward, will always be stronger than the challenges it meets. This is the kind of faith that is purified like gold in a fire (1 Pet 1:6-9), and it is this faith that purifies our intentions and our actions. This is the faith that tested and qualified Abraham as our father in faith (Heb 11:17-19).

 

That is why the second reading urges us to be courageous and rekindle the gifts of God that is within us. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” Meditate on the courage, love and discipline it takes to remain firm in faith, and render our humble service to God without the motivation of reward. Think about the purifying power of faith when we persevere in prayer, and continue to render our worship to the God who answers prayers, even when we have not received the answers to our prayers. Such prayer life echoes the prayers of Jesus on the Cross; it becomes a living testimony of Christ crucified, following the pattern of faith and love that is rooted in Christ Jesus.

 

Once our relationship with God is purified of ‘entitlement mentality’, we can confront our lives with the truth of faith that no one owes us anything, in fact, whatever favor we receive is a free gift of grace. This disposition brings us so much freedom; freedom to believe and to pray in season and out of season, and freedom to relate with others in peace. It enables us to avoid the frustration that comes with too many expectations. Above all, it disposes us to be creative and contribute our own quota to better the lives of others. Let us treasure this truth of faith, which brings divine reward at its own time, purifies and overcomes every obstacle. “Guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.” Amem.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday October 2, 2022.

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STANDING FIRM IN GOOD TIMES AND IN BAD

 Meditation for Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
(Job 9:1-12, 14-16; Lk 9:57-62)

On this third day of our meditation on the Book of Job, we reflect on Job’s response to his friends. We recall that when disaster befell on him, Job surrendered himself to God saying, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Satan must have been so disappointed that this faithful man neither denounced God nor even gave him some credit for the evil he brought to his household. Job gave Satan no recognition since he accepted all that happened to him as the will of God for him. But the anguish was much upon him that he wished he was never born. Satan continued to tempt him in subtle ways; whatever Job loved became a source of temptation for him.

His beloved friends came to sympathize with him. They spoke at length to convince Job that what befell him was a punishment for sin. For them, no innocent man would experience such disaster (Job 4:7-8). Even if Job claimed to be faithful, they argued that no mortal can be upright before his Maker (Job 4:17). Job felt hurt that his friends who were supposed to comfort him were indirectly mocking him (Job 6:13-15). He said to them, “Put me right, and I shall say no more; show me where I have been at fault” (Job 6:24). What would have been the implication of Job admitting that he was suffering because of his sin? Job would have lied against God, and he would have felt unjustly treated. Then, God would have appeared to be wicked, and deserved to be denounced. In that case, it would be difficult to surrender to the will of God since evil had caught up with him. In other words, by admitting what his friends proposed, it would have been that, either evil was stronger than the goodness of God in his life, or the will of God produced the evil. Job did not fall to this trap of Satan. Think about how many of us fall to this trap…

Job explains to his friends that, while it is true that man cannot be just before God, it means man cannot be equal to God in holiness. He is the creator and all power belongs to Him. God can make and overturn things as He pleases; “Who commands the sun, and it does not rise; who seals up the stars; who alone stretched out the heavens…who does great things beyond understanding, and marvelous things without number.” Job insisted that, though he was innocent, he could not claim right before God, but only to appeal for His mercy. Thus, he acknowledged that it belongs to the almighty God to give and to take, to make and to overturn. With this strong act of faith, Job continued to worship God and surrender all to Him.

The faith of Job is the disposition we should have as we go about our daily activities. This will help us to see through the good things or bad things that come our way the mighty hand of God at work. Sometimes we may desire so much, wishing to do great things for God, but He directs us to the little things, saying, “foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head.” At other times we may be over burdened with many cares, lots of bills to pay, or so many pleasures to enjoy, but the Lord calls from the depths of our hearts saying, “Follow me…Leave the dead to bury their own dead…” If we follow the example of Job, our hands shall remain firm on the plough of the kingdom of God; we shall continue to move forward. Amen.

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday September 28th, 2022.

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